COCOA ISLAND – FROM HERE TO INFINITY
COCOA ISLAND
Discover the calming spirit of the Maldives:
A member of the acclaimed COMO Hotels & Resorts, diminutive Cocoa Island epitomises the ‘barefoot luxury’ concept – an island where attention to detail and pampering soothe away the stresses of everyday life. Sister hotel of the acclaimed Parrot Cay in the Caribbean, this island brings its own savoir-faire to the Maldives. Set by a glittering sand-edged lagoon on a private island, it comprises over water suites and villas whose design is simple yet sophisticated; mixing contemporary and indigenous. Of special appeal will be the superb COMO Shambhala Spa, fabulous snorkelling and gourmet dining blending Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine with fresh seafood and local produce.
Cocoa Island Maldives Exterior Villas
Strikingly contemporary and cool in style:
Most of Cocoa Island’s rooms are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon. From your room, walk out on to a private terrace and slip into a warm Maldivian sea. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery expanse. The bathrooms, a bath and shower, share the horizon views. Interiors are quietly contemporary with a nod to local rusticity in Maldivian Kajan roofing.
Eight Dhoni Suites feature split-level bedrooms with king-size or twin beds. The spacious living area leads onto a private sundeck with two chaise lounges, a dining table and direct access to the lagoon. A highlight is the sitting area with an outside Balinese-style day-bed. The bathroom is large with a double-ended tub backed by a mirrored wall. Dhoni Loft Suites are distinguished by bedrooms on a mezzanine level beneath the rafters. You enjoy commanding views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the ocean light softened by sheer white drapes. These are among the most popular rooms because of the expansive living areas. A staircase leads to the loft which is fitted with a king-size bed and en-suite WC. There’s a bathroom on the lower level as well as sundeck with direct lagoon access. Loft Villas feature full-length windows overlooking the Indian Ocean; these villas with expansive sundecks bring the outside in! The main bathroom features a double vanity unit, bathtub and shower stall as well as a secluded outdoor shower with steps into the lagoon.
Cocoa Island Maldives Loft Villa Terrace
A private entrance deck leads into a calming, light-filled space. The One-Bedroom Villas feature a comfortable king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with an island bath, separate walk-in and outdoor showers. The spacious living room leads to the private sundeck with direct access to the lagoon, the interior style including chic whites, teaks, and contemporary, hand-finished furniture inspired by the colonial traditions of Southern India.
In the COMO villas, both the king-size and twin-bedded rooms each have an en-suite bathroom with a bath, indoor and outdoor shower and private sundeck. They also have a pantry with microwave, stove and fridge. The spacious living room offers striking views of the turquoise lagoon through full-length windows. Four decks overhang the lagoon. Personal butlers attend to every request, making this the ideal family house for those with older children. The COMO Sunset Villa is further distinguished by its own jetty, allowing private access to and from Cocoa Island.
Eat & Drink:
Cocoa Island Maldives Restaurant
Immerse yourself in the tastes of the Malabar Coast, enjoying the Indian Ocean’s abundance of seafood. Its approach to cuisine is modern, light and respectful of South Indian nuances. Menus also offer contemporary interpretations of other Asian and Mediterranean classics. You can eat like a castaway using the in-room dining service, or at Ufaa, the restaurant located beside the infinity pool and sea. Faru, the bar, is also popular with fine wines and tasteful cocktails. Ingredients include organic vegetables and the day’s catch, with dishes drawing inspiration from regional and Sri Lankan spices. All menus also feature simple salads and pastas.
Ufaa Restaurant:
Ufaa, meaning happy in Maldivian, is a foot-in-the-sand space with covered and uncovered seating. It flanks the resort’s infinity-edged pool, in natural wood and Kajan thatch, and is presided over by Australian chef, Daniel Johnson. Ufaa serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with dishes showcasing the Malabar Coast’s rich gourmet heritage as well as modern interpretations of Southeast Asian cooking. The tandoor is employed to allow for fat-free, flavour-laden grilling of meats and fish. Dishes might include tuna tartare with pomegranate dressing, avocado, tomato and cucumber salad or whole masala spiced lobster cooked in the tandoor with lacha salad, lemon pickle and mint raita.
Cocoa Island Ufaa Restaurant
In Raw Health:
COMO Shambhala Cuisine – designed to maximise energy and wellbeing with the use of raw, organic foods rich in vitamins and living enzymes – is available on all Cocoa Island’s menus.
Room Service:
The room service menu, available from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm daily, includes healthy salads, indulgent desserts and familiar Western-style dishes like pizza, open-face sandwiches and pasta. For a refreshing pick-me-up in the sun, it offer lassis as well as chilled coconut milk and morning juice blends, including a berry, banana and buttermilk smoothie scented with almonds and cinnamon.
Activities:
Diving in the Maldives is regarded as some of the best in the world with warm and gentle seas for the absolute beginner or experienced diver. At Cocoa Island, there is a team of PADI instructors with in-depth knowledge of local waters, the coral reefs, wrecks and seasonal highlights.
At Cocoa Island, you can choose to do very little. Some guests find their own stretch of beach; others prefer to relax in privacy on their suite’s hidden terrace or lounge beside the resort’s main swimming pool – cobalt, melting into an empty horizon. If you want an active holiday, there is a water sports centre with sea kayaks, catamaran, windsurf boards, a fully equipped PADI certified Dive Centre, a COMO Shambhala Retreat including several treatments rooms, a Yoga Pavilion with a resident instructor, fully equipped gym, steam rooms and hydrotherapy pool.
COMO Shambhala Retreat:
Cocoa Island has developed a substantial COMO Shambhala Retreat for guests seeking mental quietude, physical wellbeing and spiritual balance through Yoga, Ayurveda and other holistic treatments. There is an open-air pavilion for Yoga practice located on the sunrise side of the island. In addition, find four treatment rooms (including one for couples), steam and large hydrotherapy pool. COMO Shambhala Retreat at Cocoa Island also offers a series of ‘Wellness Paths’ comprising suggested treatments to help achieve the mind-body balance suited to your needs.
In an idyllic ‘other worldly’ natural setting this serene luxury resort has a prestigious pedigree that has firmly established Cocoa Island as one of the most sought-after resorts in the Maldives. Discover the calming spirit of the Maldives at Cocoa Island – the epitome of barefoot luxury!
Cocoa Island Maldives Spa
